Ex-Minister Syed Saddiq Cleared of Corruption Charges in Appeal
Court Overturns Convictions, Prompting Potential Prosecution Appeal
In a stunning turn of events, a former Malaysian minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, has been acquitted of all charges related to criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property, and money laundering. This decision, reached on Wednesday, reverses previous convictions that had cast a shadow over his political career.
The Court’s Decision
The Court of Appeal delivered a unanimous verdict in favor of Syed Saddiq, who currently serves as the Muar MP, overturning his previous convictions. Despite the ruling, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, Azam Baki, revealed that the prosecution intends to appeal the acquittal to the Federal Court.
Mantan Menteri Belia & Sukan, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, lepas dari tuduhan pecah amanah, salah guna harta & pengubahan wang haram. Mahkamah Rayuan putuskan beliau tidak bersalah.
— Astro AWANI (@501Awani) June 26, 2024
“This is a court decision. I was informed by the prosecution that they will appeal to the Federal Court,”
—Azam Baki, MACC Chief
This legal saga highlights the complexities of corruption cases within the Malaysian political landscape. According to Transparency International, Malaysia’s score on the Corruption Perceptions Index is 47 out of 100, indicating a persistent challenge (Transparency International).
Previous Charges and Sentencing
Syed Saddiq, the 32-year-old founder of the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA), was previously facing a combined sentence of seven years in jail, two strokes of the cane, and a fine of RM10 million (US$2.36 million). He was accused of abetting Rafiq Hakim Razali, the former assistant treasurer of the youth wing of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), in a criminal breach of trust.
The initial charges stemmed from events in March 2020 at a Kuala Lumpur CIMB bank branch. The Kuala Lumpur High Court had found him guilty of a criminal breach of trust charge and misappropriation of property, along with two counts of money laundering. The court had also ordered that his jail terms for criminal breach of trust and misappropriation were to run consecutively and for those handed down for money laundering to be run concurrently.
Court’s Reasoning and Reaction
The three-judge panel, comprising Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, Azman Abdullah, and Noorin Badaruddin, determined the prosecution had failed to prove the elements of the initial charges. Noorin pointed out the trial judge’s failure to appreciate Syed Saddiq’s defense, stating that it was treated as a mere denial.
Syed Saddiq, represented by lawyers Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden and Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, attended the hearing. He was visibly emotional, hugging his mother and kissing her hand after the decision. Following the ruling, he described his experience as “hellish,” expressing his relief. The MUDA party also issued a statement declaring the ruling a victory for the people.
The co-founder of MUDA, Amira Aisya Abd Aziz, indicated that the party would discuss Syed Saddiq’s future role within the party. Despite not holding the presidency since 2023, Syed Saddiq remains a crucial figure in MUDA.
